Nantwich Food and Drink Festival welcomes thousands of visitors

Thousands of foodies descended on Nantwich over the weekend to enjoy the town’s annual Food and Drink Festival – with some unusual critters making their way onto the menu this year.

The three-day festival opened on Friday evening with live music including performances from local artists, bands and schools, appearances by Minions, stilt-walkers and fire-breathers and, of course, an abundance of food for visitors to enjoy.

For the second year running, the town centre played host to the Aga Rangemaster Theatre on Saturday where chefs showed off their culinary skills and audiences picked up some top tips, and Reaseheath College won over youngsters with ‘milk a cow’ and a horse simulator.

Two marquees packed with mouth-watering delights – the Mornflake Food Hall on Bowling Green car park and Bentley Gourmet Hall on Love Lane car park – led people through the side streets and around the independent shops.

Sunday saw 12 brave foodies take part in the Critter Chomp Challenge in aid of Nantwich Food Bank. Throughout a number of rounds, the team had to munch and crunch their way through an array of bugs.

Actress Deborah Bouchard took the winning position by eating her way through the critters, finishing with a full zebra tarantula.

Another highlight of the weekend was the Great Enzo Charity Bake Off in aid of Christie Hospital Support Group. In total, £748.74 was raised for the charity by budding Mary Berrys who conjured up an assortment of cakes.

The two winners who claimed prizes for the fastest selling cake were Marion Proudlove with her coffee and walnut cake and Geraldine with her Oreo cake.

Eleanor Bird won ‘best looking cake’ with her Minion Cupcakes.

During the festival there were also cocktails masterclasses and prosecco and champagne sampling.

Festival chairman Deborah Robb said: “A great team has been working tirelessly to make the event a success and I think we have done just that.

“We have welcomed over 40,000 people to the town, breaking all previous records and allowing for a great economic boost to the town, with local traders reaping the benefits of packed streets.”

“As well as bringing locals repeatedly into town, the festival saw people travelling from much further afield, even a motorcyclist from Germany travelled over especially for the occasion.

“It was great to see so many visitors taking advantage of our park and ride scheme too, which eases congestion as well as raising money for local charities.”

Nantwich mayor Andrew Martin spoke at the opening of the event.

He said: “Nantwich really does punch above its weight and this festival is a clear example.”

Deborah added: “On behalf of the festival I would like to thank all those who attended, all the traders and retailers who got involved, but also those who make the festival the special event it is, including all our volunteers, and ANSA and Nantwich Litter Group who have kept the town looking beautiful.”